PVC Pressure Pipes & Fittings
About Rendifield PVC Pipes & Fittings
(For the best viewing experience of PVC Pipes & Fittings, tables are recommended on a tablet, computer, or laptop.)
The unique properties of PVC can be further improved with special additives, creating stronger and more durable pipe materials. These enhancements result in:
- Modified PVC (PVC-M): Increases strength and impact resistance.
- Foamed Multilayer Sewer & Drainage Pipes: Enhances structural integrity while reducing weight.
- Weather-Resistant Above-Ground Drainage Pipes: Designed for durability in outdoor conditions.
Manufacturing Process
During production, essential additives such as heat stabilisers, lubricants, and impact modifiers are blended with PVC raw material in a high-speed mixer to create a dry blend. This blend is specially formulated for the pipe extrusion process.
- Inside the extruder, the dry blend is heated and mixed into a homogeneous molten mass.
- The material is then shaped through a die and calibrator, ensuring precise tolerances for outside diameter, wall thickness, and mechanical properties.
Environmentally Friendly Materials
In recent years, heat stabilisers and lubricants have shifted from lead-based compounds to eco-friendly alternativessuch as organic stabilisers and calcium/zinc compounds. This transition supports sustainability while maintaining high-performance standards.
Proven Performance in Global Markets
Rendifield MPVC and UPVC pipes have been successfully used for over 15 years in Southern Africa, Australia, and New Zealand. They are widely recognised as one of the most cost-effective and energy-efficient piping solutions.
The Importance of Toughness in PVC Pipes
Toughness plays a crucial role in pipe durability and long-term performance. It refers to:
- Impact Resistance: The ability to withstand handling, installation, and operational stresses.
- Crack Resistance: Prevents cracks from initiating and propagating through the pipe wall.
During handling, installation, or service, cracks or notches can develop due to bending stresses and point loads. However, tough materials prevent brittle failure by offering predictable failure properties.
The Relationship Between Toughness and Safety Factor
Industry standards and the water sector recognise that the 50-year safety factor depends on both strength and toughness.
- Tough materials, like MPVC, fail through predictable ductile yielding, allowing for a lower safety factor.
- HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) has higher toughness but lower strength than PVC-U, resulting in a safety factor of 1.25.
- PVC-U balances strength and toughness, providing superior long-term performance.
By optimising material properties and safety factors, Rendifield MPVC and UPVC pipes ensure unmatched reliability, efficiency, and durability across multiple industries.

MPVC pipe composition
MPVC pipe physical properties
The key properties of PVC pressure, sewer, and drain pipes are outlined in the table below. However, as with all thermoplastics, these properties vary based on operating temperature and the duration of stress application.
Temperature Considerations:
- Higher Temperatures: Pipes operating at elevated temperatures require reduced working pressures to maintain long-term durability.
- Class Selection: A higher class of pipe may be necessary to compensate for the effects of temperature and prolonged stress exposure.
By selecting the appropriate pipe class and pressure rating, MPVC pipes can deliver optimal performance and longevity in diverse applications.
PHYSICAL | UNITS | PVC-U | PVC-M |
Co-Efficient of Linear Expansion | k-1 | 6 X 10-5 | 6 X 103 |
Density | Kg/m3 | 1.4 X 103 | 1.1.J X 103 |
Flammability [oxygen index] | % | 45 | 45 |
Shore Hardness [DJ | 70-80 | 70-80 | |
Softening Point [Vicat- minimum] | “C | > 80 | > 80 |
Specific Heat | J/Kg/K | 1.0 X 103 | 1.0 X 103 |
Thermal Conductivity [D”C-SO”C] | W/m/K | 0.14 | 0.14 |
MECHANICAL | |||
Elastic Modulus [long term: 50 years] | MPa | 1500 | 1400 |
Elastic Modulus [short term: 100 seconds] | MPa | 3300 | 3000 |
Elongation at break [Minimum] | % | 45 | 45 |
Poisons Ratio | 0.4 | 0.4 | |
Tensile Strength [50 year – extrapolated] | MPa | 26 | 26 |
Tensile Strength [short-term / Minimum] | MPa | 45 | 45 |
FRICTION FACTORS | |||
Manning | 0.008-0.009 |
0.008-0.009
|
|
Hazen Williams | 150 |
150
|
|
Nikuradse Roughness [k] | mm | 0.03 | 0.03 |
MPVC Pipe applications
Rendifield MPVC pipe systems are designed for various pressure and drainage applications, ensuring durability, efficiency, and compliance with industry standards.
Below-Ground Pressure Applications for Potable Water
- SANS 966 Part 1 (UPVC): Suitable for potable water reticulation systems and other below-ground applications where temperatures do not exceed 25°C.
- SANS 966 Part 2 (MPVC): Designed for below-ground potable water conveyance, with enhanced impact resistance, ensuring reliability in demanding conditions.
Non-Potable Water Applications
- SANS 1283 (High Impact): Ideal for non-potable water conveyance at temperatures between 5°C and 50°C, commonly used for underground mining applications.
Water Supply & Sewerage Applications
- SANS 1£152-2: Suitable for water supply, buried and above-ground drainage, and pressurised sewerage systems, ensuring long-term performance in infrastructure projects.
Rendifield MPVC pipes offer high-strength, corrosion resistance, and extended service life, making them the preferred choice for water and drainage systems.
MPVC pipe dimensions
Rendifield MPVC pipes are manufactured to ensure precise dimensions and consistent performance across different pressure classes.
- Effective Length:
- 6.0 metres for pipe sizes ranging from 50mm to 250mm.
- 5.8 metres for pipe sizes ranging from 315mm to 500mm.
- Uniform Outside Diameters: All pressure classes of the same pipe size share the same outer diameter.
- Pipe Classification: Available in six different classes to accommodate various pressure requirements.
For minimum wall thickness and mass per metre, please refer to the table below.
MPVC features and benefits
- Eco-Friendly & Lead-Free: A sustainable, non-toxic material.
- Superior Flow Efficiency: Minimises friction losses for optimal performance.
- Exceptional Longevity: Designed to last over 50 years in service.
- Strength & Durability: Combines long-term toughness, stiffness, and impact resistance.
- High Flow Capacity: Large bore design ensures efficient fluid transport.
- Chemical Resistance: Withstands exposure to acids, alkalis, and harsh substances.
- Abrasion & Scour Resistance: Compatible with modern cleaning methods.
- Lightweight Design: Enables easy handling and installation.
- Secure Sealing System: Features an elastomeric locked-in sealing ring for leak-proof connections.
- Non-Flammable: Does not support combustion, enhancing safety.
Rendifield MPVC pipes provide reliable, high-performance solutions for various industrial, municipal, and commercial applications.
UPVC pipe composition
UPVC pipe physical properties
The key physical properties of PVC pressure, sewer, and drainage pipes are outlined in the table below. As with all thermoplastics, these properties vary depending on operating temperature and stress duration.
Temperature Considerations:
- Higher Temperatures: Pipes operating at elevated temperatures require reduced working pressures to ensure long-term performance.
- Class Selection: Using a higher-class pipe can help maintain durability and service life under increased temperature conditions.
The mechanical properties and friction factors for UPVC pipes are detailed in the table below, highlighting their strength, flexibility, and flow efficiency.
PHYSICAL | UNITS | PVC-U | PVC-M |
Co-Efficient of Linear Expansion | k-1 | 6 X 10-5 | 6 X 103 |
Density | Kg/m3 | 1.4 X 103 | 1.1.J X 103 |
Flammability [oxygen index] | % | 45 | 45 |
Shore Hardness [DJ | 70-80 | 70-80 | |
Softening Point [Vicat- minimum] | “C | > 80 | > 80 |
Specific Heat | J/Kg/K | 1.0 X 103 | 1.0 X 103 |
Thermal Conductivity [D”C-SO”C] | W/m/K | 0.14 | 0.14 |
MECHANICAL | |||
Elastic Modulus [long term: 50 years] | MPa | 1500 | 1400 |
Elastic Modulus [short term: 100 seconds] | MPa | 3300 | 3000 |
Elongation at break [Minimum] | % | 45 | 45 |
Poisons Ratio | 0.4 | 0.4 | |
Tensile Strength [50 year – extrapolated] | MPa | 26 | 26 |
Tensile Strength [short-term / Minimum] | MPa | 45 | 45 |
FRICTION FACTORS | |||
Manning | 0.008-0.009 |
0.008-0.009
|
|
Hazen Williams | 150 |
150
|
|
Nikuradse Roughness [k] | mm | 0.03 | 0.03 |
UPVC Pipe applications
Rendifield UPVC Pipe Systems
- UPVC Pipe Systems – SANS 966 Part 1 UPVC
Below -ground pressure applications for the conveyance of potable water in reticulation systems and for other applications in which continuous temperatures in excess of 25 °Care not encountered. - SANS 966 Part 2 [MPVC) – Below-ground pressure applications for the conveyance of potable water in reticulation systems and for other applications in which continuous temperatures in excess of 25 °Care not encountered.
- SANS 1283 High Impact – Suitable for the conveyance of nonpotable water at temperatures between 5 °C and 50 °C for underground use in mines.
- SANS 1£152-2 – For water supply and for buried and above ground drainage and sewerage under pressure.
UPVC features and benefits
- Environmentally Friendly & Lead-Free: A sustainable, non-toxic material with minimal environmental impact.
- Superior Flow Efficiency: Reduces friction losses, ensuring optimal water flow.
- Exceptional Longevity: Engineered to last over 50 years in service.
- Strength & Durability: Offers high stiffness, impact resistance, and long-term toughness.
- Large Bore & High Flow Capacity: Supports efficient fluid transport across various applications.
- Chemical Resistance: Withstands exposure to acids, alkalis, and harsh substances.
- Abrasion & Scour Resistance: Compatible with modern cleaning methods and harsh environments.
- Lightweight Construction: Facilitates easy handling and installation, reducing labour costs.
- Secure Sealing System: Features an elastomeric locked-in sealing ring for leak-proof connections.
- Non-Flammable: Does not support combustion, enhancing safety in various applications.
Rendifield UPVC pipes offer a high-performance, cost-effective solution for industrial, commercial, and municipal piping systems.
